Read a full match report of the Premier League game between Stoke City and
Aston Villa at the Britannia Stadium on Monday Dec 26 2011, kick-off 19:45
GMT.

Bravery was one of Alex McLeish’s most admirable qualities during his days as a formidable centre-half and the Aston Villa manager was left to reflect on his players displaying similar levels of fortitude at the Britannia Stadium.

The uncompromising defender loved nothing more than a physical battle on the field and he would undoubtedly have excelled in this encounter himself.

And while Villa are still yet to win at this most unforgiving of venues since Stoke City’s promotion to the Premier League, McLeish was satisfied after a number of testing examinations were passed.

He had implored his players to “get ugly” in their bid to secure a point in the Potteries and this was a committed and resilient performance against a team that have become the ultimate litmus test for clubs down on their luck.

McLeish said: “Stoke are a massive threat with their throw-ins, free-kicks and corners but my lads were excellent tonight. They’ve been much maligned but hopefully that’s evidence for them to take forward.

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“These are real plusses for us tonight. I’m trying to turn the ship in the right direction and after showing so much pride they can be proud of themselves.”

With nine goals conceded from corners before Monday night, Villa could have chosen better places to visit than this traditionally unwelcoming of venues.

Stoke have established an enviable reputation for punishing brittle defences from a variety of set-plays and McLeish must have known his team were in for an aerial bombardment early on.

As expected, Villa had to weather an early storm but stood up to everything hurled at them admirably, setting the tone for a performance that carried on from where they left off against Arsenal in their last game.

Even without Darren Bent for the third successive game, who trained on Monday but was not risked due to a niggling thigh injury, Villa were the more fluid in attack in the first half with Gabby Agbonlahor, in particular, buzzing around with intent and menace.

Villa had the most clear-cut chance of an opening 45 minutes that would not have compelled viewers watching at home on television to stay tuned for the second period.

Charles N’Zogbia floated over a wind-assisted corner and Emile Heskey nodded the ball against the upright.

Stoke were an improved side in the second half and Robert Huth headed a Matthew Etherington corner wide from a decent position.

They came even closer 20 minutes from time after Marc Wilson, the defender, nodded another corner onto the underside of the bar before Villa frantically hacked clear.

Replays suggested the ball may have been over the line but Stoke are becoming accustomed to contentious decisions not going their way on their own turf. It was still an insipid spectacle, however.

Tony Pulis, the Stoke manager, said: “You have to give Villa some credit, they did well and the two centre-halves were very good.

“There are no easy games in the Premier League and Villa have drawn six away games now so it was always going to be difficult.”